Bevis said he was shocked to learn he'd be homeless in a few days because of the coronavirus.
“My counselor told me that unless I can find funds, I’m going to have to go to a shelter," Bevis said. "And I don’t have any funds right now.”
At least 30 veterans in the Domiciliary Care Program are being asked to leave so the space can be used to isolate people infected with COVID-19.
“That is what they are all kicking us out for is to bring sick people here and house them here I guess," Bevis said. "And they are putting the veterans out in the street.”
VA Public Affairs Chief Todd Sledge said the facility received a directive Thursday to find resources to accommodate a large number of coronavirus patients.
“That is one of our larger floors, one of our larger spaces," Sledge said. "And also for the safety of those veterans who actually -- some of them are living in communal rooms where there is three or four different members.”
Veterans in the program said they were given less than 48 hours to pack up their belongings and find a new place to live.
“Right now, its a fluid timeline," Sledge said. "We would like to say that within 48 hours if we could be mobilized and ready to take patients, that would be our goal. Right now, we are not. We don’t have a clock that isticking that is telling us that that has to occur.”
According to the VA, veterans receiving counseling were given iPads to continue treatment virtually, but some veterans told WCPO they have not been given a device.
VA officials said they are working with local agencies to find living space for displaced veterans who don't have immediate family to stay with.
"They are talking about putting us in a shelter, you know, in a homeless shelter," Bevis said. "It's an unsafe environment, especially with the coronavirus.”
Sledge said the directives are not isolated to the Fort Thomas VA facility.
Other medical units within the Cincinnati area are also being prepped for COVID-19 changes.
I’m beyond horrified.
Someone please tell me this is not as bad as I think I is.
Dear Lord please help these Vets, in the most Holy name of Jesus, amen.
How hard is it to say we can’t accommodate anyone because our spaces are already filled?
Before everybody blows a gasket it might help to know what the Domiciliary is. My wife is a Nurse that works in the DOM at our local VA here in West Texas. I also work with the Vet’s but it’s on a volunteer basis. I’m a recovered alcoholic and an old Vet whose helped many recover from addiction. The DOM is probably the worst run rehab facility I’ve ever witnessed. It’s highly abused by both patients and employee’s, they’re success rate is dismal at it’a best. I’m also an associate of Origins Recovery Systems and have worked with some of the best in the business, we have a success rate in the 60’s, the VA DOM’s don’t even know what success is are how to determine it. The VA DOM’s need to be shut down and these Vet’s turned over to those who know what the hell they’re doing. These Vet’s come out of there on more drugs than when they went in.